Silky Creamed Cabbage Side

Featured in: Dinner Fix

Transform humble cabbage into an elegant side dish with this creamy preparation. Finely shredded cabbage is sautéed until tender, then simmered in a silky sauce of milk, cream, and a hint of nutmeg. The result is a comforting, indulgent dish that feels luxurious yet remains surprisingly light. Perfect alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian centerpiece with crusty bread. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:41:47 GMT
Creamed Cabbage served warm as a comforting side dish, garnished with fresh parsley in a rustic bowl. Save
Creamed Cabbage served warm as a comforting side dish, garnished with fresh parsley in a rustic bowl. | nachohaha.com

Creamed Cabbage is a silky and tender side dish that feels truly indulgent while remaining refreshingly light. This European classic transforms simple green cabbage into a luscious comfort food, making it an ideal accompaniment for almost any meal.

Creamed Cabbage served warm as a comforting side dish, garnished with fresh parsley in a rustic bowl. Save
Creamed Cabbage served warm as a comforting side dish, garnished with fresh parsley in a rustic bowl. | nachohaha.com

With a preparation time of just 10 minutes, this dish is accessible for cooks of all levels. It yields 4 servings and provides approximately 180 calories per serving, making it a balanced addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and finely shredded; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped.
  • Dairy: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer sauce); 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  • Thickener: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend).
  • Seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional).
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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened but not browned.
2. Wilt the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
3. Create a Base
Sprinkle the flour over the cabbage and stir well to coat evenly; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Liquids
Gradually pour in the milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the cabbage.
6. Final Seasoning
Stir in the nutmeg and season generously with black pepper and more salt if needed.
7. Serve
Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, sauté a clove of minced garlic with the onion. Ensure you use a large skillet or Dutch oven to allow enough space for the cabbage to wilt properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap half the cabbage for Savoy or Napa cabbage for a more delicate texture. For a lighter version, use all milk and skip the cream. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is excellent alongside roast chicken, pork, or served as a vegetarian main with crusty bread. The nutmeg and black pepper notes pair beautifully with roasted meats.

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| nachohaha.com

Whether as a holiday side or a simple weeknight addition, this Creamed Cabbage is a versatile dish that brings a touch of indulgence to your vegetables. Enjoy the luscious texture and comforting warmth of this easy-to-make recipe.

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Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, Savoy or Napa cabbage work beautifully and provide a more delicate texture. You can also mix varieties for added complexity.

How can I make this lighter?

Use all milk instead of combining milk and cream. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious and creamy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, cook completely and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

What pairs well with creamed cabbage?

It's excellent alongside roast chicken, pork chops, beef roast, or sausages. Also works as a vegetarian main with crusty bread and a salad.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Add the liquid gradually while stirring constantly after adding the flour. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir frequently as it simmers.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with olive oil and use unsweetened plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Nutritional yeast adds extra richness.

Silky Creamed Cabbage Side

Silky cabbage in light cream sauce with nutmeg—comforting, elegant, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage European

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and finely shredded
02 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Dairy

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup heavy cream

Thickener

01 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Seasonings

01 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
03 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Phase 01

Toast aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened but not browned.

Phase 02

Wilt cabbage: Add shredded cabbage with a generous pinch of salt. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until cabbage is wilted and tender.

Phase 03

Create roux: Sprinkle flour over cabbage and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.

Phase 04

Build sauce: Gradually pour milk and cream into the mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Phase 05

Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the cabbage.

Phase 06

Season and finish: Stir in nutmeg and season generously with black pepper and additional salt as needed. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains wheat gluten in standard all-purpose flour
  • Use certified gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free dietary requirements

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g